MSE News: Single parents sent 'threatening' letters demanding proof they live alone

Cornucopia

NYM wrote: »

I couldn't possibly know the answer to that...

No, that was my point.

From what I can see, this is very similar to TV Licensing. They target people using letters, ask them to confirm a negative (not living with someone) and then they demand proof.

It's a very poor way to do things.

'New broom' and all that...

Who is the "new broom"?

If you mean the outsourcer, then these companies that sign-up to do the Government's dirty work are often incompetent, as you can see here. Capita is the outsourcer in the case of TV Licensing.

If you send someone a threatening letter and then cannot fetch their file on the computer when they call in, that's the very definition of incompetence.

NYM

I don't understand why you mention TV Licencing ?

As for Concentrix sending 'threatening' letters ? The letters may not be worded in a pleasant way, but the 'threat' is that unless the information requested is supplied, benefits may be withdrawn.

I've not seen a true copy of one and can't comment on it's content but using emotive language is really unnecessary.

p00hsticks

NYM wrote: »

I don't understand why you mention TV Licencing ?

Because the principal is the same. TV licensing expect those of us without licences to PROVE that we don't need them, which is almost impossible to do - the onus should be on them to prove that we do.

Similarly, as others on this thread have said, it's very difficult to prove that you live alone - you can produce utility bills, bank accounts etc in a single name but that doesn't mean no one else is living with you. It's much easier to demonstrate that more than one person is living at the same address and the onus should be on HMRC/Concentrix to show that.

Colin_Hunt

Teresa60 wrote: »

After, because it hadn't entered my mind to be honest with everything else going on

Crikey, how much do you owe ?

BargainJunky

We received one of these letters on 12th January (dated 5th January) with a response required by 4th February.

Ours is a joint claim hubby worked full time until 31st October and was made redundant - I advised tax credits in November of this fact and gave them a revised yearly income taking into account JSA. I am currently a SAHM and we have two primary age children.

They requested copies of his contract, pay slips from April to December - wish I could have provided one for December. To be honest the letter is very very scary and could not have come at a worse time for us. The information they requested has been with them two weeks and we have heard nothing whatsoever from them.

I dread the postman coming in case its another letter.

Londonsu

The trouble is that some people are used to relying on state hand outs be it benefits or tax credits and now they are being asked to prove entitlement or prove change of circs they get scared or threatened yes I am sure there may be mistakes made but why do people think they can have this money without any checks being made.

FBaby

Similarly, as others on this thread have said, it's very difficult to prove that you live alone -

But that's not what is being asked. What they are asking is for specific information that should satisfy them that the claimant is indeed single despite the data they have. It won't catch those who are claiming to be single yet are clearly not but have covered their tracks, but it should clear all those who still have exes registered at their address for whatever reason but definitely don't leave there.

For instance, husband has left, but hasn't provided a change of address to all his debitors, council tax, electoral role so it flagged up for tax credits. However, a copy of bank statement will show that the claimant pays all the bills alone and that they receive monthly payment from csa. Case close.

Those who have to worry are those whose bank statements for instance show no payment for council tax, no maintenance, but say two lots of car insurance payments.

fatbelly

So - check your credit files (all three) and get removed any financial associations that no longer apply.

Happy Valentines Day!

restless6

I am a single working parent and receive tax credits.

I wouldnt be worried about being asked to prove i live alone, because i do live alone, apart from my children of course.

It is surely only a problem for someone who has been telling porkies?

Colin_Hunt

restless6 wrote: »

I am a single working parent and receive tax credits.

I wouldnt be worried about being asked to prove i live alone, because i do live alone, apart from my children of course.

It is surely only a problem for someone who has been telling porkies?

It is surely only a problem for someone who has been telling porkies, and is as thick as mince for getting caught.
Only the terminally dim get caught, and there are so many that are terminally dim that the authorities can only cope with those cases that are really easy to prove. And even then some get away with it.